How long do you hold an item?


When you have an ad and someone emails you and says they definately want it how long do you hold it before giving it to the next potential buyer?

If you really want something dont you check your email everyday? Is it wrong to sell something to someone else after not hearing from them for two days? Do you wait longer?
perfectimage
When the deal is struck, I e-mail or talk to the buyer and tell them the item is theirs (marking the item sale pending). I always ask them to e-mail back to say when they are going to send payment out, and then to e-mail again when they have to confirm that it's on the way. Sometimes people are busy and it might take them a couple of days to get payment out; that's fine, I just want to know when it's going to happen and when it does. I do the same with all my purchases-it just makes sense to keep the lines of communication open. I've never had a problem, but if a buyer did not have a legitimate excuse for sending payment when they said they would and I was uncomfortable at all, I'd re-sell the item at that time, explaining to the buyer I was going to.
I ask my brokers advice on this topic, I had utility stocks that I had held for a very long time.

He suggested I hold my water and let my gas go.
Just my experience I am speaking from; sometimes it's hard to reply quickly. But if they want to buy/sell an item they will get back within 48 hours (out of town for extended periods of time due to work). I usually send e-mails specifying my ETA's for responses to questions; but have to admit there are circumstances beyond my control.. I am currently without phone service but have my DSL????? Best, Charlie
Good one Albert!! As far as holding something--It depends on whom you're dealing with. Unknown buyer??- About 10 sec.is fine.--Lots of feedback buyer/seller?? Longer for sure.I've been promised a MO that never came--or a paypal that never was posted.(Both this year) I think the type of questions asked,and the time between communication tells me a lot. If there are 14 similar adds--expect lots static.If it's a unique item--first with the funds,is my buyer. My bank won't accept promises; for deposits. If it's an expensive item the lookers are easy to "see".I have twice returned a buyer's funds because they didn't send the money as soon as promised.--If I say I'll wait,I do--but it better be "as promised". I always ship the day the funds arrive;I expect if the buyer wants the item--they will be just as prompt. I use a case by case, logic. Many are similar / many are different.
I think it depends how much the item is-under $1000 24 hours, over $1000 a little longer, over $3000 a few days, over $5000 up to a week to make everything flow smoothly.